Can't wait to coach my first football game tomorrow! I have a 7 year old and a 9 year old both in two different sessions of the same league. We have a more popular "Tri-City Football" that's been around from when I was a kid. The reality is that I loved football, but hated Tri-city football. They had practice every day of the week or 4 out of 5 days a week. Too much for kids that age. Saint Charles, Geneva and Batavia all participate in Tri-City programs, but I dont' want them to experience what I've experienced. I have a lot of dads say that the coaches and the program is "way too intense" and they've pulled their boys out despite the $500+ fee. Many just didn't sign up again.
I want my kids to play football....BUT I WANT THEM TO PLAY FOOTBALL ONLY IF THEY WANT TO. I'm not a parent who lives vicariously through my children....nor do I want them to make up for my inefficiencies then and now.
I want to ENJOY my kids. We joined the Geneva Park District football program despite the fact that we live in Saint Charles. It's run by All-Star Sports. Most of the people who have left the Tri-City Football program are playing over at this "low key" league and are having a blast doing it. This is a flag football leauge. They have one practice for 1 hour a week and one game every saturday. This league has exploded as parents are beginning to believe that 7-10 year olds don't need to be treated as junior high kids.
BACK TO COACHING....They asked for voluteer coaches. Since I happen to love my kids an "most" other kids and and I love football and am not a pedophile (and will pass the criminal background check).....I said YOU BET!
We had a blast. I let the kids play in the park if they weren't practicing. Then I alternated with the other son. Both kids are thrilled that they get to call me "coach Larry." I'm very enthusiastic about this. I want them to learn, but I want them to have fun mostly. 
I worked at a camp for 4 of my 5 summers of college (slow learner). I taught swimming for 8+ years. When I went back to graduate school (before law school), I started my 2ndary ed degree, but I never finished it. I would really like to get in kid's faces to make a difference. Most kids today are looking for a male to inspire them. We don't have enough of them in education.
In the meantime, I'll just be the best dad that I can be. We'll see what tomorrow's game brings, but I can't wait. Mostly because my kids can't wait. They already have their clothes laid out for first thing tomorrow. I'll give an update later.
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